One on One with Shelly Perry:
With the True Value Modified Racing Series heading into Seekonk this weekend, an Ashaway, Rhode Island based family, the Perry’s, will be part of the action. Father Butch, son Norm, and daughter Shelly. Butch and Norm turn the wrenches on the family racer while Shelly, a human resources representative, does the driving.
Series announcer John Spence Sr.sat down recently with Shelly, driver of the APE sponsored # 76 modified. Shelly is the second woman to compete with the series and the first to commit to a full schedule. She is also the first woman racer to capture a track championship in the 66 year history of the Thompson, CT, Speedway .
Spence: When was the decision made to run the TVMRS full time in 2008?
Perry: We really love the series, we really love the competition. The driving style is different than the SK’S that I was used to running. We figured we could run and become competitive as we went through the season. Tires are more affordable with this series and we also wanted to tour, to check out all the other tracks the series competes at.
Spence: Lets back up a bit. You’re a champion at Thompson (2006 mini-stock), the first woman to do it. That still has to feel pretty good.
Perry: It does, it was a good year. Everything went together. Things went the right way and any team that has things go right, luck, fast car, a good team; it can work into a championship at the end of the year. It was special because I was the first woman and I hope there is many more (championships).
Spence; Lets talk about this season. Here you are racing against “the guys.” How would you assess the year? Has it gone as expected, any surprises?
Perry: The season to date, we have been struggling with setups. We are all learning as a team. Not only am I learning the tracks as a driver, but my crew’s learning setups for the different tracks as well. The season has been tough, we have worked hard. We were excited and pleased with the run at Thompson, our home track. We were happy to come out with a top 10 there. (Finished 7th) Now we are looking forward to Seekonk, I have experience there.
Spence: Take me back to Thompson. That was an incredible charge on the outside. I teamed with Matt Buckler that day and we had the crowd cranked up pretty good, thanks to you.
Perry: The car was good all day. We had a long green run, I was holding my own, we had a couple of cautions and all of a sudden I was up to third. It was pretty cool, I love running the high side at Thompson. I ran it a lot with my mini stock. It felt like 2006 again. We were pretty happy. It spurred us on for the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to Seekonk and Claremont ( Twin State).
Spence: This series gives drivers a chance to race at some historic race venues.
Perry: It sure does. Thunder Road was awesome. Oxford Plains and we’ll be heading to Twin State . It’s been fun.
Spence: It’s been a pleasure, thanks for taking the time. Thanks to you and your family for your support. Wish you best this weekend.
Perry: Thank you very much.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./TVMRS PR